Buying a car on Craigslist is tempting. Those prices are so low, you don’t have to deal with a car salesman, and you may find a diamond in the rough. But is buying a car on Craigslist a good idea? It can be. But it can also be a nightmare. Place your hands on the dipstick by rubbing it car history report free online against your thumb. If a car is super cheap, be super careful. In all situations, have your mechanic check it out, pull a car inspection report free online, and have a DMV clerk examine the title.